It’s natural to wonder if there’s anything you could have done to prevent type 1 diabetes. The truth is: lifestyle choices do not cause type 1 diabetes.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but a few things may increase your risk. Read on to understand more about the causes and risk factors for type 1 diabetes.
Researchers do not know the exact causes of type 1 diabetes, but they do know that some genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Some people have certain genes (passed from parent to child) that make them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes. However, just having these genes is not enough to cause type 1 diabetes. Many people who develop type 1 diabetes have no family history of the condition.
It is also believed that certain environmental conditions may trigger the immune system to attack cells in the pancreas. Examples of triggers include viral infections, pollution, low vitamin D levels and high levels of stress.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells (in this case, in your pancreas). Lifestyle choices like diet and exercise have nothing to do with whether you develop type 1 diabetes or not.
However, eating a healthy, balanced diet with regular exercise is important in helping to manage all types of diabetes.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear as other forms of diabetes, but may include:
While we know some things about what can cause type 1 diabetes, more research is needed to understand it better.
Next step: Understand the symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
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